Chapter Text
Toph is strong and proud and independent. She hates asking for help; hates needing help. Zuko can understand that, but he also knows that, sometimes, he needs to offer help anyway.
Toph is hurt. She refuses to tell anyone how. The ride back to the Fire Nation alternates between Katara asking what happened, Toph refusing to answer, Sokka trying (and failing miserably) to lighten the mood and distract both parties, and Aang trying to diffuse the situation. Zuko doesn't know what to say or do, so he says and does nothing.
When they are alone in the suite at the palace that his basically reserved for his friends at this point, he says, "It's your feet, isn't it?"
Toph stares at him.
Zuko stutters a bit. "It's just- you kept tripping on stuff and running into things, and you were walking weird and-"
"Alright, Sparky!" Toph exclaims, flopping onto a couch. "Yeah, it's my feet."
"...what happened?" Zuko asks, a little hesitant.
Toph sighs. "Guess those jerks knew I see through my feet, because first chance they got, they burned 'em. On purpose, too-so a lot worse than when you accidentally burned me-and don't you dare apologize again, Zuko!"
"Sor-erm," Zuko says, scratching the back of his head.
Toph half snorts, half sighs.
She isn't going to want help. Zuko knows that. Yet, he offers regardless. "Then I'll be your eyes- er... feet-until they heal."
Toph is quiet. Presumably upset, but... "Thanks, Sparky," she says eventually.
"Of course." (But is Toph the only one who he should be helping?)